Manley Reference Cardioid is a large diaphragm valve condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern. Its six micron gold sputtered diaphragm is centre mounted, and the voicing looks back to the classic European valve designs of the U47 family.
One pattern, no design compromises
Multi-pattern microphones create cardioid by summing two diaphragms, which always costs a little phase coherence. Here the capsule is designed for cardioid alone, so there is no summing and no compromise. For a vocal, an acoustic guitar or a guitar cabinet you would not use the other patterns anyway, and what remains is a simpler path and predictable rear rejection. A switchable -10 dB pad lets you place the microphone on a high pressure source without overloading the valve stage.
Headroom for loud sources
A maximum SPL of 150 dB means the microphone handles a snare, a trumpet or a guitar cabinet up close. Self noise of -120 dB EIN, meanwhile, lets you record a quiet acoustic guitar or a whisper without the noise floor rising along with the signal. The 10 Hz to 30 kHz response covers the audible range with room to spare. The package includes a professional shock mount, a carrying case and a genuine leather capsule cover.
KEY FEATURES
- Large diaphragm valve condenser microphone
- Fixed cardioid pattern with no switching
- Six micron gold sputtered, centre mounted diaphragm
- Voicing inspired by classic U47 family designs
- 12AX7 or 7025EH valve in the head amplifier
- Switchable -10 dB pad
- Manley Power switch-mode supply
- Professional shock mount included
- Protective carrying case included
- Genuine leather capsule cover included
- Hand assembled in California
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: valve condenser, large diaphragm
- Polar pattern: cardioid, fixed
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 30 kHz
- Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 150 dB
- Self noise: -120 dB EIN typical
- Output impedance: 200 to 250 Ohm
- Pad: switchable -10 dB
- Power supply: universal 90 to 250 V, 8 W consumption
- Microphone dimensions: 2 inch diameter, 9.7 inches long
- Microphone weight: 2.25 lbs
